BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Christmas is just around the corner and it’s time to get into the holiday spirit.
A variety of events are held throughout the city, including a meet-and-greet with Santa, a holiday parade, activities for kids, Christmas tree lighting, letters to Santa, and more. Some events start as early as November and continue until Christmas Eve.
Sip some hot cocoa, put it on your favorite Christmas playlist, and check out the holiday events happening in the Baton Rouge area. This list will continue to be updated over the coming weeks as more events are announced.
Baton Rouge General is celebrating its seventh year hosting a Holiday Magical Lights Walkthrough that welcomes guests from across the community.
- when: November 18th – December 31st
- where: 8585 Picardy Avenue
The illuminations will be a sight to see as you walk through the Baton Rouge Zoo this holiday season. More than 50 animal sculptures and holiday displays will be on display along the way.
- when: November 24th – December 30th
- where: 3601 Thomas Road
Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa and enjoy holiday-themed games and presents throughout November and December.
- when: From November 5th to December 24th
- where: 175 Bass Pro Boulevard Gonzalez at Denham Springs and 2200 W Cabela’s Parkway.
A Baton Rouge area tradition is back this year as North Boulevard prepares to kick off the Christmas season with the Festival of Lights. There will also be free ice skating.
- when: December 1st from 4pm to 8pm
- where: 222 North Boulevard
In addition to the Christmas tree lighting on December 1st, there will be plenty of children’s activities, food trucks, vendors and live music.
- when: December 1st from 6pm to 9pm
- where: scotville plaza
The Plaza in the North Baton Rouge Open Market will feature food, art and entertainment this Christmas.
- when: December 1st from 6pm to 9pm
- where: 8418 Scotland Avenue
The 37th Annual Christmas in Central Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. The parade begins at 11 a.m.
- when: December 2nd from 8am to noon
- where: Joa Road in Central
Baker City will host the Stay Fit & Jolly Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd. We also have gifts of toys and bicycles. A health fair will also be held on the day.
- when: December 2
- where: baker town
This year at Christmas on the Pointe, visitors can take photos with Santa and dine from food trucks. You’ll also enjoy music from a DJ, arts and crafts, a Christmas She’s Market, and inflatable She’s games.
- when: December 2nd from 10am to 4pm
- where: 14200 River Road
This year’s “All Is Bright: Hometown Christmas” event will feature local vendors from across the state. Enjoy food, Christmas music, and rides.
- when: December 2nd from 4pm to 8pm
- where: 57920 Meriam St., Plaquemine
Christmas in the Countryside is back for its 19th year. Visitors can get into the holiday spirit while enjoying bonfires, musical groups and storytelling.
- when: December 3rd from 10am to 5pm
- where: 4560 Essen Lane
At this year’s Tree Festival, local businesses will display hand-crafted decorated trees throughout the area.
- when: December 7th 4:30pm-6:30pm
- where: 9511 Creekview Drive
This year’s snow and glow event will feature glow-in-the-dark performances, food trucks, meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more.
- when: December 7th and December 14th 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- where: 8585 Picardy Avenue
This year’s Christmas Market to Go will feature more than 60 booths and several food trucks. Admission is $10 and the market is open to the public, according to a news release from the school.
- when: December 9th from 9am to 6pm
- where: 16266 South Harrells Ferry Road
The Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade features a variety of parade floats, dance groups, and marching bands.
- when: December 9th 5:30pm
- where: The parade begins at River Road and North Boulevard
Need something added to the list? Let us know by emailing wvladigital@nexstar.tv.